Marine Detachment. USS Coral Sea CVA 43

• Unique Role: The Marine Detachment (MarDet) aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) served as the ship’s security force, ceremonial guard, and manned some secondary gun batteries, reflecting the traditional role of Marines on Navy ships. • Vietnam War Service: The MarDet participated in numerous WestPac (Western Pacific) deployments, supporting air operations and providing shipboard security during the Vietnam War. • Evacuation Operations: Marines from the detachment were involved in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon in 1975, providing security for helicopter operations on the flight deck. • Presidential Security: When President Richard Nixon visited the Coral Sea in 1969, MarDet provided ceremonial and security services. • Disciplinary Duties: The detachment maintained the ship’s brig (jail), and Marines acted as guards for prisoners and during disciplinary actions. • Cross-training: MarDet personnel frequently cross-trained with Navy sailors in firefighting, damage control, and emergency response drills. • Notable Firsts: The Coral Sea MarDet was among the first to integrate African-American Marines during the 1960s, reflecting wider changes in the US military. • Shipboard Life: Marines lived separately from sailors, with their own berthing compartments, mess area, and a strong esprit de corps, often referred to as “the ship’s own.” • Ceremonial Duties: The detachment performed rifle drills, color guard ceremonies, and rendered honors during visits from foreign dignitaries and naval officers. • Decommissioning: The MarDet was disbanded when the Coral Sea was decommissioned in 1990, marking the end of an era as Marine detachments were phased out from Navy capital ships.